Staten Island Advance/Bill LyonsRep. Michael Grimm has been endorsed by the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots Union, the marine affiliate of the International Longshoremen's Association.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots Union, the marine affiliate of the International Longshoremen's Association, has endorsed GOP Rep. Michael Grimm for re-election.

In a letter to Grimm, union leaders said that the congressman had "demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving American maritime jobs and to strengthening America's maritime industry."

The letter praised Grimm for ensuring that the country has the U.S.-flag commercial sealift capability needed to support the U.S. military, and for his work to reform the tax code so U.S. companies are encouraged to operate U.S.-flag vessels and hire American maritime workers, "rather than outsource American jobs overseas."

Grimm said that the maritime workers "are a vital part of the economy of Staten Island and Brooklyn."

He said he would continue to fight for enactment of the Short Sea Shipping Act, which would exempt certain cargo shippers from the U.S. Harbor Maintenance Tax.

Grimm said he would also look to maintain full funding for the Maritime Security Program, and would defend the Jones Act, which covers benefits for maritime workers injured on the job. He also pledged to help grow the nation's merchant marine.

Grimm said he would also continue to "fight against egregious tolls on the trucks that bring the cargo to and from the Port of New York."